Monday, July 28, 2008

Piecing together a roadtrip

It's been replaced. Replaced by something we've never tried before in our entire lives. It's called hitch hiking, and it's invigorating.

We've also been called out before for having a constantly fluid summer project. We wouldn't have it any other way. We're learning as much as we're telling along the way. Although the west has already been discovered, we're discovering it for ourselves for the first time, navigating throughout it thanks to kind strangers who feel like showing us around. If we were to walk throughout the deserts without a support vehicle, not only would we be risking our health and possibly our lives, we wouldn't see one damn person for 100 miles and would therefor not have any stories to tell aside from describing how bored we were. And also, being low on steam and money, we are wanting to reach the Pacific sooner rather than later.

'I could hitch rides across the U.S. too,' the viewer finished off the comment.

My advice. Do it! It's incredible. It's a perfect way to roll the dice at never knowing who you're going to meet and where you're going to end up. You can only do so much on foot - typically 20 monotonous miles a day. It's the lack of agenda and not having any more possessions other than what we can carry that allows us to blow like tumbleweeds across the vast country. We walked 600 miles out east and had many stories to tell. We've given our feet a rest out west, but the stories keep on coming, and that's what really matters. Oh, and it's nice to not have feet that look like someone took a cheese grater to them.

***

MOAB, UTAH - Amanda dropped us off at the Maverick gas station on the north end of main street. The rock climbing guide said this would be our best chance to catch a lift out of town. It wasn't more than five minutes after she drove off that a petite woman parked in front of our bags and asked us where we were headed.

'I can take you three hours west,' she said like it was no big deal.

Sarah was a white water rafting guide. It seemed like guides took to us well, maybe because they could relate to our kind. She had her boss' Mercedes for the week and there was plenty of room for a couple wanderers.

Instead of riding with her all the way to Richfield, we parted ways just 45 minutes away in Green River. We did so because this was the road that led north toward Salt Lake City, and Denny and I had decided that was the direction we wanted to go. It seemed silly that this was our mission since we could've ridden all the way there with Liz two days prior, but there's no sense in thinking about those things, and we wouldn't have gotten to experience Moab had we not done it this way.

***

GREEN RIVER, UTAH - The road sign said it all - 'Next service station - 106 miles.' It was official. We were in the middle of nowhere, aside from a pair of gas stations. One shared a building with an Arby's. The other with a Subway. We opted for the $5 footlongs and decided it was healthier crowd on that side of the road, so maybe they'd be happier and want to give a couple kids a lift. I'm not sure this theory makes much sense, but when Denny stated it, I nodded my head.

We waited six hours on our asses. After the first hour, we decided to split up. I took the Arby's crowd. One couple pulled up with a license plate that read 'IAHawkz.' I chatted with them about our Alma Mater, but they had no room in their car. It brightened my afternoon nonetheless.

Denny and I agreed to reserve phone calls only for good news. Text frivolous things, but only call when something good happens. I had switched posts and decided to sit by the on ramp, multiplying the number of passersby. One shirtless man stopped when he saw my Salt Lake City sign. He was prepared to take me, but when I said there was one more, he sped off before I could convince him to wait.

A few minutes later, I heard a pair of honks. A 55-year-old Navajo Indian couple had come to our aid. I promised them my friend was on his way but panicked on the inside when Denny didn't answer his phone after three calls. I was certain we were going to blow it. I asked questions about where they were coming from until Denny finally appeared. They didn't have the room for us, but they made it anyway. Howard and Beverly were carrying a 4,000-pound load of flour from their motherland in New Mexico up to their home in Salt Lake City. They had made this trip four times a year for the past 35 years.

'Have you ever picked up people before?' I asked.

'Oh yeah,' they said simultaneously, launching into a series of stories of helping folks on foot.

With the windows down and the cool mountain air blowing in, Denny couldn't hear a thing in the back seat, so I did most of the conversing over the course of the next three hours. I don't have too much in common with the Navajo tribe, but we related to each other that evening in spite of our contrasting backgrounds. Beverly handed us necklaces to protect us from ghosts and hugged us goodbye as we parted ways. She made us promise to call her to let her know we were safe.

***

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - We checked into a Motel 6 for the night - a luxury in our summer world. I went to fetch some McDonald's for dinner. The dollar menu is a close second to $5 footlongs when it comes to eating for cheap. A beggar asked me for some money on the way. I didn't have money to give, but I did buy extra double cheeseburgers for him for when I passed back by.

While in McDonald's, an NBA player whose name I don't know, was purchasing food for a homeless man. I knew he was in the NBA since a pair of kids hadn't stopped whispering about it in front of me in line. The man only ordered two things.

'You sure you don't want more?' the tall, well-groomed athlete said to the scruffy, smelly man next to him. I know he wanted more, but he didn't ask for more. I had goosebumps.

When I walked back to the hotel, the man who asked for change was gone. I ended up eating too much that night.

Denny and I grilled a pair of Mormon girls staying next to us with questions about their beliefs late into the night. I have so many questions for religious people, but I'm always afraid of offending them. We escaped without conflict.

Liz, who had given us a ride from El Paso to Moab, picked us up the next morning to take us to her favorite burrito joint. We got to share the backseat with her three beautiful girls ages 15 months to 9 years. Life always makes sense to me when kids are around.

It was funny to see someone we had grown close with a few days earlier just a few days later. Liz dropped us at a popular exit off of I-80.

'Mom, where are we going?' asked the 9-year-old.

It was a fair question. Maybe she'll understand what we were up to some day. Then again, maybe it will never make sense to some people.

***

I-80, UTAH - We switched posts several times, trying to form the best strategy. We were new at this. I don't think it would be nearly as exciting if it were easy, but you lose hope quickly when hundreds of drivers pass right by without even acknowledging your presence.

Denny was a quarter mile down the road when a truck stopped next to me at the Flying J. The woman in the passenger seat was wasted drunk, but her husband seemed just fine behind the wheel. Preparedness meets opportunity equal a ride west. And opportunities weren't showing their face too often that day, so I hopped in the truck bed.

'My friend's just down the road,' I explained through the back window.

Denny did a double take when he saw me stand up in the back of an unfamiliar pickup.

'He's trippin' out, isn't he?' laughed the intoxicated woman.

Denny hopped in as I explained we were destined for Nevada, just over the Utah border. This would get us a quarter of the way to Reno.

'You can have some Heinekens if you want,' the woman offered, pointing to the case next to us.

'Thanks,' I said as the truck began doing 80 on 80.

It wasn't the safest thing I've ever done, but boy was it liberating. Denny and I hardly spoke as the wind whipped at our bodies. The sky seemed bigger that day as we watched mountains and fluffy white clouds and salt fields pass by. After nearly 70 days in a row spent together, I think it's safe to say we knew what one another was thinking.

As we slowed down in the gambling mecca, Wendover - otherwise known as little Reno - we asked to take a photo of the woman.

'Want a photo of my boobs??' she asked.

We were thankful she was joking. She laughed hysterically at her own joke as we hopped out of the truck and thanked them.

***

WENDOVER, NEVADA - We found the on ramp to 80 west and sat for 10 minutes before getting restless, wondering if another entrance to the freeway would be more productive.

Denny and I walked a half hour roundtrip before we realized this was the only on ramp around for miles. We regained our ground and took a seat, holding up a pair of signs - 'Reno?' and 'Going west?'

We noticed a man across the road from us holding his own sign asking for money due to the fact that his car was broken down. After a few minutes, he began walking over to us. I'll admit I sighed when I saw this, thinking he was only trying to get something out of us.

The man who was missing his front teeth explained that he had been hitch hiking for 38 years and that it was obvious our odds would be increased if we walked 10 feet and sat on the other side of the on ramp.

I handed him $2 for his advice even though I had no idea of its value.

When he retook his seat on the other side of the street, I flashed him a peace sign.

'Happy travels,' he yelled, pointing to something going on behind me.

I was oblivious to the white van that had pulled over. Denny was already climbing in.

I stared back at our friend, who was smiling and waving goodbye. I'm sure he was proud of the advice he had given. He sure knew what he was talking about.

'Hurry up goddammit!' yelled the shirtless, shoeless man in the van. Denny and I were in a frenzy, trying to throw our bags in the trunk and take a seat. I wasn't sure why this man was in a hurry, or why this man who was in a hurry had bothered to stop for us, but I was sure we were destined to make it to Reno by sunset.

We warmed up to Mike immediately. The Detroit native had his degree in bio-psychology and was living in Sonoma county in California. He chain smoked and pounded iced coffee. He was on his way home from a roadtrip in Atlanta, where he was visiting a girlfriend. I found it very intriguing and relaxing that he didn't ask any questions about what we were up to or why.

I sat in the back, reading 'Love is a Mix Tape', and dozing off while Denny chatted it up with Mike, who drove at speeds reaching 100. We would cover the 400 miles to Reno in no time at all.

***

RENO, NEVADA - Scotty, one of my best friends in the world, laughed at the sight of us as we embraced in a powerful man hug. His girlfriend Taylor introduced us to their dog Betty.

'You guys sure look dirty,' Scotty commented. He promised us showers, clean clothes, and pizza. Plus, I knew the company was guaranteed to be good. What more could a couple hitch hikers ask for?

It wasn't the safest thing I've ever done, but boy was it liberating."

It made me think of days gone by when people thought nothing of climbing into the back of a pickup truck. No seatbelts, no problem. I kind of miss that reckless abandon. Glad to see that you guys are getting a taste of it.

As for the naysayers who want to give you grief, don't listen to the noise. It's your trip, your way.

Hey Brian and Denny! I had lot's of fun in New Orleans and I miss you guys so much!!! I hope you guys are having lot's of fun and doing good out there and I love all of your videos and pictures and comments!!! Also I wish you guys good luck to the rest of your trip and I hope you guys get to where you plan on going!!! I love you guys and keep on making me smile!!!=]

i get goosebumps everytime i look at your "Where We've Traveled" map. Yall have traveled from the east coast to the west coast, creating moments and connecting with people and then writing about it (with the magical pictures) creating even more moments and connecting even more people. i feel pretty lucky to have been a small part of your journey.

I've been following your blog since day one and wanted to tell you that I've thoroughly enjoyed living vicariously through you guys this summer. It makes me smile everyday when I check the site and see that there is a new adventure to read about. I'm sad that it will be over soon. I love reading the comments from people that you've met along the way and seeing how you have touched their lives and made lasting friendships even though you maybe only spent a few hours with them. You've opened my eyes up and made me look at people that I don't know in a different way. Thanks for that.

I don't think you get how the internet works. If you are anonymous you can say whatever you want without having to defend yourself showing just how witty, clever, and not at all just how cowardly you really are...at all. When you are anonymous you can throw stones from your glass house, because it's bulletproof glass! Nothing can stop it. Not even bullets! So, all I have to say is...

WHO WE ARE

WHERE WE'VE TRAVELED

WHAT WE ARE DOING

We are traveling coast-to-coast across the United States, reaching out to the people we encounter along the way and observing how people react and reach out to us. Our adventure began on the Atlantic coast in Maine on May 20, and we hope to reach the Pacific coast by summer's end.

We will live minimally, hiking with our belongings on our backs. We are giving ourselves a $10-per-day spending limit for food. We will not seek out luxuries, trying our best not to pay or ask for accomodations or transportation. That said, we're open to any good fortune that may come our way.

In an adventurous, extreme approach, this is a study of how Americans interact with one another in today's society. We will document the trip through our blog - www.nostrangerland.blogspot.com - with writings, photos, and videos, allowing people to interact and follow along with us on our journey.

WHY WE ARE DOING IT

We want to get to know our country, its people, and ourselves with the hope of inspiring others with our stories. We are tired of the negative news in our world and want to do something uniquely positive to counter it. We hope to create a movement of peace and make America a bit better of a place. We believe kindness is contagious and don't want to live in a society in which people are skeptical of strangers. We want to live in No Stranger Land.

BLOG ARCHIVE

No Stranger Community

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Any way you can! Helping spread the word about our project would be greatly appreciated.

Feel free to contact us any time with specific questions or thoughts at: nostrangerland@gmail.com

Some kind followers have inquired as to how they can donate to the project to ensure we are able to stay afloat and see the journey all the way through. If you are interested in helping out in this way, please click here:

Most importantly, we hope you support us by following our adventure.

Thank you very much for your encouragement!

-Brian Triplett and Denny Clark

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT

Mom & Dad Triplett

Mom & Dad Clark

Jodie Clark

Grandma Triplett

Grandma AuBuchon

Grandma Clark

Mike & Sarah Triplett

The Baths

Shannon & Brent Hood

Trish Geniesse

George & Charlie AuBuchon

Barbara Thomas

Bill & Judy AuBuchon

Ben McDougal

Matt & Andrea Triplett

Allison & Megan Triplett

Pete & Carol Russell

Davis Brown Law Firm

Candy & Dan Danielson

Steve & Peggy England

Nathalee M.

Dave Gould

Emily Ritchie

Thomas Ritchie

Jay Christensen

Colleen Kinder

Doug Cloven

Eric Randall & his class

Ellen & Larry Burkholder

Ann Cummiskey

John Cummiskey

The DrehsDave & Kelly Maxwell

Mitch McKnight

Beth Boal

Michael Wiebler

Joan & Sophie in Maine

Tom & Lynn in Maine

Jessica in New Hampshire

Bill & Liz Watkins

John Marvel

Glen McKnight

Britt Carlson Emerton

Nanci & Poppy in New Hampshire

Wil & Mary in New Hampshire

Baristas in Portsmouth

Cheri Olson

Ann & Tucker in Newburyport

Amanda Jenkins

Seacoast High School

Joe & Michelle in Cambridge

Lindsay in Concord

Andy Knaack

Scott in Clinton

Dave & Maureen Burke

A.J. in Amherst

Rita

Monica in Worchester

Meaghan in East Hampton

Don & Irene Stanton

Lauren Nurnberger

Bob & Pam

Everyone at Sheffield's

The Kearns

Andy Triplett

Scott Rieckens

Jeanette Harris

Mike & Ruby Triplett

Doug & Peggy Lynch

Cassandra Pinter

Mike & Rue in New Milford

Mike McDaniel

Kevin & Sue in NYC

The Waitzels in Manasquan

The Steens in Lawrenceville

Meghan Teigen

Susan McPeters

Mark & Nancy McMullen

Karen & Tina Bow

Jessica in Strasburg

Niall & the Megans in Lancaster

Starbucks staff in Exton

Mike Brooks

Kala & Nick Redlin

Jennifer Hull

Peg Cota

Tom Cota

Roger Mohr

John Hauser

Jerry Welcher

Alicia Cikowski

Mary Beth & Said

Mike Brooks

Sarah & Juan

Ross & Anna

Daniel Zeno

These United States

Corinna & Tim in Amissville

Kristen Enari

Caroline in McLean

Officer Ira in Luray

The McGlothlin family

Tony & Anna

The guys hiking the AT

Tim on the Shenandoah

Bucky

Uwe & Silvia from Germany

Cindy in Waynesboro

Marilyn in Knoxville

Erin & Lauren in Knoxville

Alanna, Todd & KoKo in Knoxville

Jeffrey Carroll

Danny Brit

Denis Prior

Meghan Teigen

Jocelyn Pluta

Jessica Adkins

Dan Morrissey

Nate Swetalla

Katie Christensen

Marcia and Desire Street

Bill Cummiskey

Ray & Tony

Brett Baker

The Holbrooks

Benny & Tina

Nancy & the kids

Windy Clark

Liz Tennyson

Scott and Amanda

Sarah in Moab

Howard & Beverly

Mike in Wendover

Scotty, Taylor & Betty

People who email

People who comment

People who honk

People who wave

People who smile

People who talk to us

And everyone following our story!

OUR FAVORITE CHARITY

We had the pleasure of spending time in New York City with Shimmy Mehta, founder of Angelwish. To learn more about his foundation, please click on the image above.

T-SHIRTS PROVIDED BY

Thanks to Active Endeavors! Iowa City

A very special thank you to Mark Weaver and staff for helping us out with quality camping gear.

Thanks to Gander Mountain! Davenport

A very special thank you to Nathan Boynton and staff for providing us with $50 of last-minute essentials.

Thanks to JanSport!

Special thanks to Jason Lucash of JanSport for providing us with brand-new packs.

# of visitors -

Questions or Comments? Please write to us at: nostrangerland@gmail.com